Vlad the Hungarian? The Romanian/Hungarian vampire debate

Through the centuries, debate has been raging about who can lay claim to the origins of the legendary vampire.  Many claim that it is the Romanian people who have sole claim to the title.  Others say that it is Hungarian mythology that gave birth to the blood sucking creatures that still haunt our dreams.

Popular belief tends to shift most of the ownership to Romania.  However, in the eyes of my Hungarian relatives, vampires were strictly non fiction.  These stories had {more. . .)

History of April Fool’s Day

Each year, April 1st rolls around and causes a mix of emotions.  Pranksters plan their attack weeks in advance, hoping to catch unaware those of us gullible enough to believe anything on this day.  People like me go on high alert…prepared for anything fishy that may come our way, and remain skeptical of all news until 11:59pm.

But, where the heck did April Fool’s Day come from?  Why do so many cultures around the globe celebrate this unofficial holiday?  No one really knows for certain, {more. . .)