“English As She Is Spoke,” A Guide To English Written By A Guy Who Didn’t Really Speak English
For International English Language Day, the story of the most unusual guide to the language ever published, the one called “English As She Is Spoke.”
Warren Harding’s Human Friends Hurt His Presidency, But His Dog Friends Were Great
Today in 1865, the birthday of Warren Harding. His presidency was full of scandals thanks to his so-called friends - if only those friends had been as good to Harding as his dogs had been.
How Font Sizes On Menus Could Help People Eat Healthier
There’s new research out that suggests that for those trying to eat healthy, bigger is better - at least when it comes to font sizes on parts of the menu.
In The 19th Century, Steamboat Racing Was An Extreme Sport
Today in 1811, the first known steamboat race takes place on the Hudson River. Yes, a couple centuries ago, racing steamboats was a thing.
How Choose Your Own Adventure Books Let Millions Of Young Readers Pick The Ending Of The Story
Today in 1931, the birthday of Edward Packard, who along with R.A. Montgomery founded a book series that let millions of young readers pick the ending to the story: Choose Your Own Adventure.
Ebeneezer Scrooge Might Have Been Based On These Real People
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” was first published today in 1843. The character of Ebeneezer Scrooge is said to be based on a real life person, though which person it was that inspired the story depends on who’s telling the story.
Meet Some Of The Oldest Books Ever Found
Today is National Read A Book Day, which reminds us of an article from HowStuffWorks that tries to answer a complicated question: “What is the oldest book in the world?”
A Sprained Ankle Helped Bring Pippi Longstocking To The World
Today in 1944, Astrid Lindgren of Stockholm, Sweden fell on ice and sprained her ankle. While stuck in bed, she decided to write down some stories she'd been telling her daughter, stories that would lead to one of the most popular children's book series of all time.
Winnie the Pooh Is Named For A Zoo Bear And A Swan
Today in 1882 author A.A. Milne was born. His most famous character, Winnie the Pooh, was named partly for a real bear who lived at the London Zoo. And yes, the real Winnie had a sweet tooth as well.
The Chicago Cubs Once Had A “College of Coaches” Instead of a Manager
Today in 1961, the Chicago Cubs announced they wouldn't hire a manager for the new season, and would instead use a rotating "College" of coaches. You can probably guess how well that worked out.