1) Sir Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, is an English singer, songwriter, and pianist. With a career spanning over five decades, he is one of the best-selling music artists in the world and has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to music.

2) The ocean covers about 71% of the Earth's surface and contains roughly 97% of the planet's water.

3) The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, divided the newly discovered lands outside of Europe between Spain and Portugal, leading to the colonization of the Americas.

4) The shortest war in history lasted only 38 to 45 minutes between Britain and Zanzibar in 1896.