WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Mercenaries haven't always been unpopular. In fact, as a new book details, there was a time when one, William Walker, was a national hero.

UPI Almanac for Tuesday, May 27, 2008.

UPI almanac for Sunday, May 27, 2007.

NEWPORT, R.I., Nov. 24 (UPI) -- An analysis has found that Cornelius Vanderbilt II decorated the walls of his summer home in Newport, R.I., with platinum.

Today is Saturday, May 27, the 147th day of 2006 with 218 to follow.

Today is Friday, May 27, the 147th day of 2005 with 218 to follow.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., May 9 (UPI) -- The 67-year-old Marineland tourist attraction south of St. Augustine, Fla., plans to reopen this summer as an eco-tourist attraction.

Today is Thursday, May 27, the 148th day of 2004 with 218 to follow.

NEWPORT, R.I., Jan. 25 (UPI) -- The 50th anniversary edition of the legendary Newport Jazz Festival this August will open with a star-studded black-tie all-star gala. Organizers said the Aug. 12 event at The Breakers, Newport's most opulent Gilded Age mansion, will honor many of the art