Los Angeles, CA (WFN) -- Christopher Columbus gets credit for discovering America, but a retired British sub commander is convinced a Chinese skipper beat him to the punch 71 years earlier.

Gavin Menzies has spent the last nine years promoting the theory that Chinese admiral named "Zheng He" brought more than 100 ships and 30,000 men to mainland America in 1421, visiting the Caribbean islands and parts of the eastern U.S.

Menzies says the Chinese explorers weren't enslavers of the Native Americans because, in his words, "they were so self-confident they assumed everyone would be delighted to trade with China."

He's specialty was plants that could be used for food or clothing and Menzies credits the explorer with bringing cotton from Africa to America, and sweet potatoes from the southwest U.S. to the South Pacific.

Menzies discusses his theories on "1421: The Year China Discovered America," a PBS special debuting tomorrow (Jul. 21).

Appease an angry Great Volcano by winning 10 Tribal Challenges in SKIP-BO Castaway Caper! Take advantage of this incredible bargain and get two hit puzzle games for one low price!

More Weird News From 2004-07-20 The day's offbeat stories from around the world. • 42 Percent Of Americans Pee In The Shower • Flash Lites: Rip 'N' Read Pop Culture Recap • Pickles Are A Big Dill In Berrien Springs, Michigan • Sausage Stuffers Looking For Worst Grill • Chinese Skipper REALLY Discovered America • Rock Star Poker In The Cards For Tommy Lee • Hillary Duff's Co-Star Loves Playing The Mean Girl • Evel Knievel's Kid To Jump Aircraft Carrier • Judges Barfing Over Ugly Bauble • This Bush And Kerry Are Good Pals • Around The Weird: Bizarre News Briefs   « Current Weird News Stories