Rome VS Marines!

Imagine this: you’re a US Marine trudging through Afghanistan. Suddenly there’s a flash of light and poof! Your entire unit has been transported back in time to the reign of Augustus. For some reason you are seized with the urge to conquer the Empire. Although the Doctor always said never to tamper with fixed points in time...

Believe it or not, this situation was the source of great debate a few years back. Somebody on Reddit asked if a single MEU would be able to subjugate the entire Empire, and it went viral in minutes.

An MEU is about 2200 troops, plus artillery and vehicles. They poof onto the banks of the Tiber, not too far from the capital of Rome, but are unable to restock on supplies from the modern world. Once they run out of bullets, they can’t get any more. Making their own would be impossible without the proper equipment. And then you’ve got to think about electricity, batteries and gasoline. While they would dominate for a couple of days, the Romans would gain the upper hand when supplies ran out.

The Empire, however, has the opposite situation. They’ve got plenty of resources, but their equipment is suddenly antique. Armor wouldn’t hold up against a bullet. In fact, it would distort the bullet’s shape and make the wound worse. The men never would have heard an explosion before, and gunfire would shred the horses.

We should also assess the differences in their fighting tactics. While both groups emphasize aggression, unit cohesion and flexibility, the Romans are accustomed to marching out side-by-side. If the Marines took advantage of this by engaging in guerrilla warfare, the Empire would suffer devastating losses. However, if the MEU didn’t move quick enough, they would be surrounded and forced to surrender.

Personally, I think the Romans would win. As much as I would like to see the American flag fluttering over the Coliseum, the Empire is too big to be overthrown in a day, and Marines are at a serious disadvantage as soon as their supplies run out. But you can disagree if you want. For once I welcome comment debates. Who do you think would win? Rome or the Marines?

After the Rome VS Marines debate went viral, there was
 talk of making a move based on it, entitled "Rome Sweet Rome."

Five Funny Food Origins

Don’t give me that look. I know it’s been two weeks since I blogged. But here I am now, with another list of historical happening for your amusement. Please accept this as my apology.

And now, without further ado, Five Funny Food Origins!

The Earl of Sandwich. And a sandwich.

No. 1 - The Sandwich

In the 1700s, the Fourth Earl of Sandwich gambled for 24 hours straight, so engrossed by the game that he refused to leave the table. Unfortunately, his stomach didn’t share his enthusiasm. It grumbled about having no dinner until the Earl called for something to eat.

The cook brought him a piece of meat between two slices of toasted bread. The new dish was a hit with English aristocracy, retaining the name sandwich in honor of its creator.

It should be noted that variations of the sandwich had existed years prior to the incident. But this is what made it popular, and gave it the name we all know today.

No. 2 - Sirloin

One day in 1617, King James was served a magnificent loin of beef. Oh the juiciness, the meatiness, the gravy-ness! He was so enraptured by the dish that he ordered a couple of pages to bring it before his throne. James drew his short sword and knighted it Sir Loin--a name that meshed over time into sirloin.

Historians are divided on the authenticity of this legend. But whatever the case, I think it’s an interesting story.

No. 3 - Popsicle

In 1905, 11-year-old Frank Epperson let his drink freeze on the patio overnight. The next morning he yanked the block of ice out, gave it a lick, and found it delicious. It was an experience he never forgot. When Frank grew up he acquired a patent and shared the recipe with his children, who called the strange new treat Pop's 'Sicles.

No. 4 - Pretzels

Soft-dough pretzels were invented by a frustrated Italian monk in the 7th century, who hoped to use them as bribes for his catechism students. In fact, the middle pretzel loop is supposed to resemble a child’s arms folded in prayer.

No. 5 - Tea Bags 

Thomas Sullivan created tea bags on accident in 1908 when he distributed samples of his tea in little silk sacks. Some consumers, supposing that the sacks were like metal infusers, dropped them into the water. The result was just as good as traditionally steeped tea, and soon Sullivan was bombarded with orders for this new convenience.

Ancient Greek Cooking - Loukoumades and Figs

Some of the greatest politicians, poets and philosophers hail from Greece. They invented ship-sinking claws, founded the first republic, instituted the art of geometry and... made awesome donuts!

Seriously, though. they are good donuts. I tried the recipe yesterday, and thought I’d share the origins and instructions.

The proper name for the donuts is actually Loukoumades, although the poet Callimachus referred to them as “honey-tokens.” They were served to Olympic champions, and are one of the most ancient recorded deserts. The taste is subtle compared to modern pastries, just a burst of honey and a crunch from the crust. Personally I thought they were hard to prepare--lots of deep-frying was involved, and the dough was pretty gloppy--but the end product is well worth the effort.

These are our failed Loukoumades. They didn't fry all the way through.

These ones came out great. The bowl on the right is gluten free!

Another Greek staple that I decided to try was figs.

Figs have a long and illustrious history reaching all the way back into Biblical times. The Egyptians ate them. The Greeks lived on them. Roman Emperors served them at feasts and now they have reached my plate as well. Actually you don’t need a plate. Figs can be eaten whole. Just pop ‘em in your mouth.

I’m not sure how to describe the taste. It’s sweet. But not incredibly sweet. I guess the closes thing I can compare it to is watermelon, although the texture is quite different. More in line with a grape, I guess.

Well there you have it: my Greek victory feast. I have included a link to the Loukoumades recipe we used at the bottom of the post. If you decide to give it a try, let me know in the comments!

Loukoumades recipe - http://www.ultimate-guide-to-greek-food.com/donuts.html