Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc, a peasant girl from France, became a national heroine and a saint of the Catholic Church. She led French forces to victory during the Hundred Years' War, claiming to be guided by divine visions. Here are some Joan of Arc fun facts.
Johanka z Arku
1

Joan was born around 1412 in Domrémy, France.

2

She began having visions of saints instructing her to support Charles VII and drive out the English.

3

Joan convinced Charles VII to let her lead an army to the besieged city of Orléans.

4

She successfully lifted the siege of Orléans in 1429, a turning point in the Hundred Years' War.

5

Joan was captured by Burgundian forces in 1430 and sold to the English.

6

She was tried for heresy and witchcraft and was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431.

7

Joan of Arc was canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church in 1920.

8

She is the patron saint of France and soldiers.

9

Joan's trial transcripts were later reviewed, and she was declared innocent in 1456.

10

She wore men's clothing and armor during her military campaigns.

11

Joan claimed that her visions came from Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret.

12

Her nickname, 'The Maid of Orléans,' reflects her role in the city's liberation.

13

Joan of Arc's story has inspired countless works of art, literature, and film.

14

Mark Twain wrote a novel about her titled 'Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc.'

15

Joan's courage and faith made her a symbol of French unity and nationalism.

Rihanna

  • Music
Rihanna, the Barbadian singer, actress, and businesswoman, has become one of the most successful and influential artists of the 21st century. With her chart-topping hits, bold fashion sense, and entrepreneurial spirit, Rihanna has made an indelible mark on music and pop culture. In this article, we’ll explore 15 fun facts about Rihanna that highlight her incredible journey and achievements. Let’s dive into these fun facts.
1

Rihanna was born Robyn Rihanna Fenty on February 20, 1988, in Saint Michael, Barbados. She was discovered by American record producer Evan Rogers, who was vacationing in Barbados with his wife.

2

Her debut single 'Pon de Replay' was released in 2005 and became an international hit, reaching the top five in fifteen countries, including the US and UK.

3

Rihanna's stage name is derived from her middle name, and she is often referred to simply as 'Rih' by her fans.

4

She has sold over 250 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

5

Rihanna has won nine Grammy Awards, 13 American Music Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, and six Guinness World Records, among many other accolades.

6

In addition to her music career, Rihanna is a successful entrepreneur. She launched her cosmetics brand, Fenty Beauty, in 2017, which was praised for its inclusive range of shades and became a global success.

7

Rihanna was named the world's richest female musician in 2019, with an estimated net worth of $600 million, largely due to her business ventures in fashion and beauty.

8

She has acted in several films, including 'Battleship' (2012), 'This Is the End' (2013), and 'Ocean's 8' (2018), showcasing her versatility as an entertainer.

9

Rihanna is known for her bold and ever-evolving fashion sense. She has received several fashion awards, including the CFDA Fashion Icon Award in 2014.

10

In 2012, she was appointed as a cultural ambassador for Barbados, and in 2018, she was named 'Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary,' with the responsibility of promoting education, tourism, and investment in her home country.

11

Rihanna's hit single 'Umbrella,' featuring Jay-Z, became one of her most iconic songs and spent seven consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2007.

12

In addition to her philanthropy, Rihanna founded the Clara Lionel Foundation in 2012, which supports global education, emergency response programs, and other charitable initiatives.

13

She was the first woman of color to head a luxury fashion house under LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) with the launch of her brand, Fenty, in 2019.

14

Rihanna has been included in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world multiple times, recognizing her impact on music, fashion, and business.

15

Despite her many accomplishments, Rihanna remains down-to-earth and is known for her strong connection with her fans, often interacting with them on social media and at public events.

Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc, a peasant girl from France, became a national heroine and a saint of the Catholic Church. She led French forces to victory during the Hundred Years' War, claiming to be guided by divine visions. Here are some Joan of Arc fun facts.
1

Joan was born around 1412 in Domrémy, France.

2

She began having visions of saints instructing her to support Charles VII and drive out the English.

3

Joan convinced Charles VII to let her lead an army to the besieged city of Orléans.

4

She successfully lifted the siege of Orléans in 1429, a turning point in the Hundred Years' War.

5

Joan was captured by Burgundian forces in 1430 and sold to the English.

6

She was tried for heresy and witchcraft and was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431.

7

Joan of Arc was canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church in 1920.

8

She is the patron saint of France and soldiers.

9

Joan's trial transcripts were later reviewed, and she was declared innocent in 1456.

10

She wore men's clothing and armor during her military campaigns.

11

Joan claimed that her visions came from Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret.

12

Her nickname, 'The Maid of Orléans,' reflects her role in the city's liberation.

13

Joan of Arc's story has inspired countless works of art, literature, and film.

14

Mark Twain wrote a novel about her titled 'Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc.'

15

Joan's courage and faith made her a symbol of French unity and nationalism.

Louvre

The Louvre, the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris, France, is renowned for its vast collection of art and its iconic glass pyramid. Here are some fun facts about the Louvre:
1

The Louvre was originally built as a fortress in 1190 by King Philip II to protect Paris from potential invaders.

2

It was transformed into a royal palace in the 16th century by King Francis I, who also began the museum's art collection by acquiring several notable works, including the Mona Lisa.

3

The Louvre was opened as a public museum in 1793 during the French Revolution, with an initial collection of 537 paintings.

4

The museum's glass pyramid entrance, designed by architect I. M. Pei, was inaugurated in 1989 and serves as a modern contrast to the historic architecture of the Louvre.

5

The Louvre's collection spans over 9,000 years of history and includes approximately 38,000 objects, from ancient artifacts to modern art.

6

The museum is home to some of the most famous artworks in the world, including the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

7

The Louvre covers an area of 782,910 square feet (72,735 square meters), making it the largest art museum in the world.

8

It is estimated that it would take a visitor about 100 days to see every piece of art in the Louvre if they spent 30 seconds looking at each one.

9

The Louvre receives nearly 10 million visitors annually, making it the most visited museum in the world.

10

The museum is divided into eight departments: Near Eastern Antiquities, Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, Paintings, and Prints and Drawings.

11

The Louvre has been featured in numerous films, books, and artworks, further cementing its status as a cultural icon.

12

The museum's underground shopping mall, Carrousel du Louvre, includes shops, restaurants, and an inverted glass pyramid.

13

The Louvre's extensive collection of Egyptian antiquities includes the Great Sphinx of Tanis, a large granite statue dating back to the Old Kingdom.

14

Napoleon Bonaparte expanded the museum's collection significantly during his reign, acquiring numerous pieces from his military campaigns.

15

The Louvre has undergone several expansions and renovations throughout its history, with the most recent being the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2017, a collaboration between France and the United Arab Emirates.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone, born on July 6, 1946, in New York City, is one of Hollywood's most iconic action stars and a renowned filmmaker. Best known for his roles as Rocky Balboa and John Rambo, Stallone has built a career that spans over five decades, inspiring audiences around the world. His determination and resilience, both on and off screen, have made him a beloved figure in the film industry. Here are 15 fun facts that you might not know about Sylvester Stallone. These fun facts offer a deeper look into the life of a true Hollywood legend.
1

Sylvester Stallone was born with a partially paralyzed face due to complications during his birth, which resulted in his signature slurred speech and snarling look.

2

He wrote the script for 'Rocky' in just three days and refused to sell it unless he could star in the film, despite being a relatively unknown actor at the time.

3

Stallone was so dedicated to making 'Rocky' that he sold his dog to raise money to survive. He later bought the dog back after the film's success.

4

The original 'Rocky' movie was made on a budget of just over $1 million but went on to gross over $225 million worldwide and won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

5

Sylvester Stallone performed many of his own stunts in the 'Rocky' and 'Rambo' films, often sustaining injuries during filming.

6

He was nominated for two Academy Awards for 'Rocky,' one for Best Actor and one for Best Original Screenplay, making him one of the few people to be nominated for both in the same year.

7

Stallone’s first starring role was in the 1970 softcore film 'The Party at Kitty and Stud's,' which was later re-released as 'Italian Stallion' after his rise to fame.

8

In addition to his acting career, Stallone is an accomplished artist and has exhibited his paintings in galleries around the world.

9

He directed and starred in several of the 'Rocky' and 'Rambo' sequels, showcasing his talents behind the camera as well as in front of it.

10

Sylvester Stallone was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011 for his contributions to the sport through his portrayal of Rocky Balboa.

11

He is an advocate for fitness and bodybuilding and has been featured on the cover of numerous fitness magazines over the years.

12

Stallone co-wrote, directed, and starred in 'The Expendables' series, which brought together many of the greatest action stars of the 1980s and 1990s.

13

He has a strong business acumen and has been involved in various ventures, including owning a chain of Planet Hollywood restaurants with Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

14

Sylvester Stallone was originally cast as Axel Foley in 'Beverly Hills Cop,' but left the project due to creative differences, leading to the role going to Eddie Murphy.

15

He is a father of five children and has been married three times, most recently to Jennifer Flavin, with whom he has three daughters.

Demi Moore

Demi Moore, born on November 11, 1962, in Roswell, New Mexico, is a celebrated actress, producer, and author. Known for her roles in films like 'Ghost' and 'G.I. Jane,' Moore has become one of Hollywood's most recognized and successful actresses. Her beauty, talent, and trailblazing career have made her a powerful force in the entertainment industry. Here are 15 fun facts that you might not know about Demi Moore. These fun facts provide a closer look into the life of a Hollywood icon.
1

Demi Moore's birth name is Demi Gene Guynes. She adopted the surname Moore from her first husband, musician Freddy Moore.

2

She dropped out of high school at the age of 16 to pursue a career in acting and modeling in Los Angeles.

3

Demi Moore made her film debut in the 1981 movie 'Choices,' but her breakthrough role came in 1985 with the film 'St. Elmo's Fire,' where she played the role of Jules.

4

She became a global superstar with her role in 'Ghost' (1990), which was the highest-grossing film of that year and earned her a Golden Globe nomination.

5

Moore was the first actress to command a $12.5 million salary for a single film, for her role in the 1996 movie 'Striptease.'

6

She famously shaved her head for her role as Lieutenant Jordan O'Neil in the 1997 film 'G.I. Jane,' a move that was widely praised for its boldness.

7

Demi Moore posed nude while seven months pregnant on the cover of Vanity Fair in 1991, in a photograph taken by Annie Leibovitz, sparking significant media attention and cultural discussion.

8

She was married to actor Bruce Willis from 1987 to 2000, and they have three daughters together: Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah.

9

Moore is known for her work as a producer and was one of the first women in Hollywood to establish her own production company, Moving Pictures, in the early 1990s.

10

She has a strong interest in wellness and health, and has been open about her use of unconventional therapies, such as leech therapy, for detoxification.

11

Moore is an advocate for various charitable causes, including human trafficking awareness, through her involvement with the DNA Foundation, which she co-founded with Ashton Kutcher.

12

She was one of the highest-paid actresses of the 1990s, starring in box office hits such as 'A Few Good Men,' 'Indecent Proposal,' and 'Disclosure.'

13

Demi Moore has struggled with addiction and has been open about her journey to recovery, sharing her experiences in her memoir 'Inside Out,' which became a bestseller.

14

She made her Broadway debut in 2019 in the production of 'The Sound Inside,' earning praise for her stage performance.

15

Demi Moore continues to inspire with her resilience, talent, and contributions to the entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the camera.

R. E. M.

  • Music
R.E.M., one of the most influential alternative rock bands of all time, helped define the sound of the 1980s and 1990s. With their jangly guitars, enigmatic lyrics, and unique style, R.E.M. became a cornerstone of the college rock and alternative scenes. In this article, we’ll explore 15 fun facts about R.E.M. that highlight their groundbreaking career and lasting impact on music. Let’s dive into these fun facts.
1

The band was formed in 1980 in Athens, Georgia, by lead vocalist Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and drummer Bill Berry.

2

The band's name, R.E.M., was chosen randomly from a dictionary by Michael Stipe and stands for 'Rapid Eye Movement,' a stage of sleep.

3

R.E.M.'s debut single 'Radio Free Europe,' released in 1981, became a college radio hit and helped establish the band's presence in the alternative rock scene.

4

Their debut album, 'Murmur,' released in 1983, was critically acclaimed and was named Album of the Year by Rolling Stone, beating out more commercially successful albums by artists like Michael Jackson and U2.

5

The band's jangly guitar sound, often credited to Peter Buck, became a defining characteristic of the college rock genre and influenced many other alternative bands.

6

R.E.M.'s breakthrough album, 'Document,' released in 1987, included the hit single 'The One I Love,' which became the band's first top 10 hit in the United States.

7

The 1991 album 'Out of Time' brought R.E.M. into the mainstream with hits like 'Losing My Religion' and 'Shiny Happy People.' 'Losing My Religion' became one of the band's most iconic songs.

8

R.E.M. is known for their politically charged lyrics and activism, often addressing social issues such as environmentalism, human rights, and government policies.

9

The band's 1992 album 'Automatic for the People' is widely regarded as one of their best works, featuring the hit singles 'Everybody Hurts' and 'Man on the Moon.'

10

Drummer Bill Berry left the band in 1997 after suffering a brain aneurysm. R.E.M. continued as a trio and released several more albums, but Berry's departure marked a significant change in the band's dynamic.

11

The band was one of the first alternative bands to sign a major-label contract with Warner Bros. Records in 1988, a move that helped bring alternative rock into the mainstream.

12

The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, recognized for their contributions to alternative rock and their influence on countless artists.

13

Michael Stipe is known for his distinctive vocal style and enigmatic lyrics, often leaving songs open to interpretation and adding to the band's mystique.

14

R.E.M. officially disbanded in 2011 after more than 30 years together, but their music continues to resonate with fans and influence new generations of musicians.

15

Despite their success, R.E.M. remained committed to their artistic integrity, often experimenting with different sounds and styles throughout their career, making them one of the most innovative bands of their time.