The leaning tower of Pisa, known as Torre Pendente di Pisa in Italian, is different than most medieval architecture. One mistake made in the 11th century resulted in a 14,500 ton leaning tower. This miscalculation would later become a symbol of civic pride, but tell that to the man who designed it!  It is important to mention how this tower's design is significant.

Niagara Falls lies on the border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the state of New York in the US, and is one of the most impressive and visited water falls in the world. Over 4 million cubic feet of water tumbles over the falls every minute, making it one of the most impressive natural wonders known to humans.

Prince George is the first child of Prince William of Wales and Duchess Catherine of Cambridge, also known as Kate Middleton. Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge, third in line to British throne, was born on July 22, 2013, at St. Mary's Hospital in London, England. The prince's birth was highly anticipated around the world and became a global news event, with reporters camped outside the hospital to cover his arrival.

Important as a food staple worldwide, watermelon is found in regions around the globe. Looking into the history of the watermelon, we can trace its origins to where it first grew and found a way into our diets. It contains plenty of vitamins A, B6 and C. The watermelon grows on vines on the ground. A member of the Cucurbitaceae family, the watermelon shares a relationship with cantaloupe, squash and pumpkin. Some varieties of watermelon come with a variety of rind and flesh colors. The inside flesh of the popular varieties are red or yellow. Round, oblong or spherical in shape, the watermelon grows in many different shapes. The thick rind of the plant sports spotted, striped and solid green colors.

Origin of the Watermelon

Thought to be the ancestor of the original watermelon, the white-skinned citron first grew in the Kalahari Desert of Africa. Egyptians recorded the earliest harvest of them 5000 years ago. Important to the culture of the Egyptians, watermelons were depicted in hieroglyphics that adorned the ancient walls of their structures. They buried the fruit in the tombs of their kings because they believed it nourished them in the afterlife.

Watermelons later spread by merchant ships to other countries as they traveled to conduct their business. The plants flourished along the Mediterranean Sea, and by the 10th century they made their way to China. Later in the 13th century the Moors helped spread the watermelon throughout Europe.

The watermelon may have made its way to the United States during the African slavery trade via slaves carrying the seeds on the ships. The word watermelon made its first debut in the English Dictionary in 1615. There are five states that currently lead watermelon production in the U.S: Florida, Texas, California, Georgia and Arizona. The United States ranks as number four in worldwide production of watermelon. China holds the number one spot.

Watermelon Cultivation
Watermelons come in 1200 different varieties. Recent cultivations led to development of several desirable characteristics of the fruit, including seedless varieties and ones with thin rinds. Importation and exportation of the watermelon allows for enjoyment of it all year.

Facts about Watermelon
96 countries grow watermelons globally.
Considered a polite gesture, the Chinese and Japanese often give watermelons to the host when they visit.

Israelis and Egyptians enjoy salads made with sweet watermelon and salty feta cheese.
Watermelon has a 92% water composition.
The first cookbook published in the United States included a recipe for watermelon rind pickles.

The largest watermelon ever grown weighed in at 268.8 pounds.



You can eat every part of a watermelon, including the seeds and rinds.

Historical buildings in any country are buildings that hold great memory of a nation. These types of buildings have existed for a long while and are such that causes one to have a lasting impression of the location where building was wrought.

These monuments can be seen all over the country in Nigeria- from the southeast, southwest, south south, as well as the northern parts of Nigeria. These buildings have been said to have helped reshape the destiny of our country. Here is a list of  historical buildings in Nigeria  that you may or may have not heard before.

The National Arts Theatre Iganmu Lagos
The National Arts Theatre located in the central part of Lagos called Iganmu, and was built during the military regime of Olusegun Obasanjo. This is one of the best historical buildings we have in Nigeria, as its exterior is wrought like a military hat. It has a 5,000-seater Main Hall with a collapsible stage, and two 700-800 capacity cinema halls, which are equipped with facilities for simultaneous translation of up to about 8 languages. This edifice was designed by several Bulgarian construction companies and looks a lot like the Sports Hall in Varna, Bulgaria; however the national theatre happens to be the bigger of the two.
There you have it. It isn’t enough to read this information alone. These are historical buildings that are really worth beholding. How about taking out time to visit one or two of these places?



The First Presbyterian Church in Calabar Nigeria
The city of calabar is located in the southeastern part on Nigeria, and has been inhabited since the past 2000 years. Throughout the 15th and 16th century, the city served as a very vital sea port with major business activities carried out here. The first Presbyterian Church of Nigeria was built in 1846, alongside with the monorail.

The First European Storey Building in Lagos Nigeria
The first European story building is located in Badagry Lagos state. This ancient historical building was put up by the Reverend Henry Townsend of the church missionary society CMS on the Marina in Badagry in 1845.The structure which later served as Vicarage for saint Thomas Anglican church, Badagry was also the abode of Samuel Ajayi Crowther-the foremost African C.M.S Bishop when he assumed the duty translating of the Holy Bible from English to Yoruba.

National Museum in Lagos
Unlike other buildings that have been listed in this article so far, the national museum in Lagos was founded in 1957 by the English archaeologist Kenneth Murray Nigerian. National Museum is located in the city of Lagos. The museum has a distinguished collection of Nigerian art, including pieces of statuary and carvings and archaeological and ethnographic exhibits.[1]Of note is a terracotta human head from Jemaa (circa 900 to 200 BC), part of the Nok culture.

EGEDEGE N’OKARO
This is known as the first storey-building in Benin Kingdom. It was Built in 1906 by High Chief Osawe Iyamu, the then Inne of Benin. It is broadly viewed as the second oldest story-building in Nigeria after the first one at Badagry, Lagos built in 1845 by white missionaries. Egedege N’ Okaro is Situated at House No 30,Erie Street,off Sakponba Road,in ancient city of Benin. The design of building was given to Chief Iyamu by a Briton, Mr. Crawe Reade, a colonial officer who supervised its creation.

Tafawa Balewa  Square 
This historical building and event space is located in the city of Lagos- precisely in the busy central square of Lagos state. For as long as it was built it was used for all official functions, as well as national celebrations. It is also a place where visitors will find many of the city’s memorials and statues.

Taiwo Olowo’s Monument
This famous Lagos monument is located on Broad Street in Lagos state. This Lagos historical building houses the tomb of Chief Daniel Conrad Taiwo. History has it that Taiwo arrived in Lagos in 1848, and started out as an apprentice and ended up a notable political figure.

Gobirau Minaret, Katsina
For those who have ever been to Katsina they sure would agree that this indeed is a sight to behold. This minaret which originally said to be some 120 metros tall and which was built of mud and palm timbers, is all that remains of the mosque constructed in Habe times, and this was before the holy wars of Sheik Unman Dan Fodio. There has been estimation that parts of the 15.25-meter tower are about 250 years old.

Chief Ogiamen’s House, Benin City
This building has a protection under the Antiquities Act of 1953 and this is mainly because of its architectural distinction which depicts the Benin traditional architecture. It is a chief’s house that was built before the year 1897 has an elaborate system of court yards and altars. It is a chief’s house and was erected before the 1897 British expedition against Benin and It was the year the British journey against benin took place. Ironically, the big inferno that gutted the city following the British invasion did not in any way affect the building.

The National Museum of Benin
National Museum of Benin City commenced operation from the Oba of Benin Palace in 1940’s however, the structure we see today was officially opened to the public on August 10, 1973. The Museum contains priceless objects – of antiquities from Benin Kingdom and other parts of the country. Benin Traditional art was becoming famous and to preserve it, the Oba decided to assemble the artifacts under the custodian of Chief Jacob Eghareba within the palace in the Royal House- of Iwebo.

In case you didn't know, Carli Anne Lloyd is part of the U.S. Women's National Team who just won the FIFA Women's World Cup on Sunday. 

Carli Anne Lloyd was born on July 16, 1982, in Delran, New Jersey, to parents Steve and Pam. After learning to play soccer at age 5, she developed her natural abilities by playing pickup games and practicing for hours on her own at her local field.

Sharks are long-bodied chiefly marine fish with a cartilaginous skeleton, this is not to say that they squidge around like jelly but instead of bone they have cartilage, a prominent dorsal fin, and tooth-like scales. It has always struck me how many people are afraid of sharks. It’s one thing if you’re a surfer or fisherman, but why would people living thousands of miles from the coast list the marine predators among their greatest fears, when statistically you are more likely to be killed by a toaster?