“Half-hangit Maggie” Dickson Survived Her Own Execution
In 18th Century Scotland, there was a woman who was sentenced and put to death, but lived through it all to win the nickname “Half-hangit Maggie.”
The Vatican Once Sang The Praises Of The Blues Brothers
This week in 2010, a classic movie gets a shout-out from a very unusual place.
There’s An Official Spanish-Language Version Of “The Star-Spangled Banner”
“The Star-Spangled Banner” became the national anthem of the United States more than a century after it was written. Another fun fact about the anthem: there's an official Spanish-language version.
A Group Of Teens Got Stranded On A Pacific Island For 15 Months, And Never Went All “Lord Of The Flies” On Each Other
This month in 1966, an extraordinary rescue of a group of students who had gotten stranded on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean and managed to live there successfully for over a year.
George Sutton Made His Name Playing Billiards After Losing His Hands
For National Billiards and Pool Day, the story of an accomplished billiards player who made his name by playing the game after losing his hands.
Embo, Scotland, Declared Itself Independent For A Day
Today in 1988, the community of Embo, in the Scottish Highlands raised money for a community center by declaring independence from the rest of the UK… but just for one day.
Charles Strite, The Inventor Who Made Toasters Pop
Today was the birthday in 1878 of a guy who changed breakfast forever: Charles Strite, the inventor of the pop-up toaster. Here's how the idea popped up.
How The Snow Globe Started Shaking Up Winter
Winter is officially here in the Northern Hemisphere. If it doesn't feel like it yet, grab a snow globe - we'll tell you how they got their start.
During The Burryman’s Parade, A Scottish Dude In A Suit Made Of Burrs Walks Around Drinking Whiskey
The second Friday in August is an exciting time in the Scottish community of South Queensferrry. That’s when the town holds an event that takes some explaining: the Burryman’s Parade.
Charles Osborne Had The Hiccups For 68 Years
Today in 1922, a guy named Charles Osborne had an accident with a very unusual side effect: it gave him the hiccups for nearly seven decades.