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The Psychopath Who Invented Your Breakfast: Dr. John Harvey Kellogg
In the early 1900s, if you were an affluent American suffering from health issues, you might have considered a stay at the world-famous Battle Creek Sanitarium, often called "the San." Located in Michigan, the San sprawled across 30 acres and promised a cool and delightful summer resting place. Walking through its gates, guests were greeted by the Latin phrase mens sana in corpore sano—a healthy mind in a healthy body—etched into the entrance. They would find people sunbathing in the gardens or strolling through the picturesque woods, and inside, the lobby boasted fine furniture, crystal chandeliers, and plush Persian rugs. However, among the tranquility, guests might also hear an occasional scream from a distant treatment room—but more on that later.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
The Real Weapon That Could Destroy New York: The Tsar Bomba
When it’s been a long year, and you’re in desperate need of some rest and relaxation, nothing quite compares to an island holiday. The soothing sounds of the ocean breeze, waves lapping against the shore, and maybe even the soft clinking of ice in your drink. But while you might be relaxing in a tropical paradise, some islands have seen far more explosive events—literally.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
The Bear Who Fought the Nazis and Won: Wojtek the Soldier Bear
For centuries, humans have enlisted animals to fight by their side, and Wojtek, a Syrian brown bear who served in WWII, was no exception. While elephants, horses, and even pigeons have had their moments in war, a beer-drinking, cigarette-smoking bear seems like a story too wild to believe. But believe it or not, Wojtek, or "Joyful Warrior," as the Polish soldiers called him, was not just a mascot; he was a genuine soldier who carried ammunition during some of the toughest battles of the war. His legacy, celebrated by monuments in Europe, stands as one of the most unique and heartwarming tales of animal bravery in human history.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
How a Man Escaped Prison By Melting Iron Bars With Soup: The Great Escapes of Yoshie Shiratori
When you think of a classic prison escape, you might picture desperate inmates feverishly filing away at the bars of their cell windows, spotlights sweeping across the prison yard, and daring criminals clambering over tall walls. Or maybe even an improbably long tunnel hidden behind a poster of a 1940s film icon. But one thing you’re less likely to picture in this daring scenario is a steaming hot bowl of miso soup. Yet, for Japanese anti-hero Yoshie Shiratori, miso soup was the key to one of the most ingenious prison escapes in history.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
Nobody Knows How Houdini Died
In late 19th-century America, contacting the spirit world became a profitable enterprise. Séances and paranormal exhibitions were popular, with countless people claiming to possess a unique connection to the afterlife. Among the most notorious were the Davenport Brothers, who created a spectacle they called The Box Illusion, an elaborate trick that they insisted offered undeniable proof of their ability to commune with the dead.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
How Did This Man Invade the British Navy Using a Wig? Horace de Vere Cole and the Dreadnought Hoax
We all love a good prank. There's nothing quite like the mix of physical and psychological torment we inflict on our friends for a light bit of entertainment. From cling film over the toilet seat to the perfect jump scare that sends your girlfriend into cardiac arrest, pranking is an age-old pastime that never fails to amuse. But did you know that one of history's greatest pranksters didn't come from the age of social media or viral videos? In fact, the legendary prankster I'm talking about was born almost 150 years ago and was a member of Britain's elite social circles!
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
The Mummified Outlaw's 65-Year Journey Across America: A Tale of Elmer McCurdy
In December of 1976, the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office found itself entangled in a bizarre case that would befit any Hollywood script. Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the coroner known for his post-mortems of stars like Marilyn Monroe and Natalie Wood, was about to face a corpse unlike any he had seen before. This particular body weighed a mere 23 kilograms and looked as shriveled as a prune left out in the sun. To add to the strangeness, it was dressed in a cowboy outfit and spray-painted a vibrant neon orange, making it a shocking sight, even by Hollywood standards.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
He Had The Most Incredible Mind In History, Until This Happened: The Rise and Fall of Bobby Fischer
Some people are born to do one thing, and one thing only. Lionel Messi was meant to be a footballer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was made to write music, and Albert Einstein was born to change our understanding of the universe. Robert James Fischer? He was placed on planet Earth to play chess. The man was, quite simply, a phenomenon. He broke every record in the book during a meteoric rise to the top of his sport—or should we say, game. Look, I don't know what it is, but he was good at it... so good, that at the peak of his powers, American prodigy Bobby Fischer single-handedly took on the might of the Soviet chess machine—a state-sponsored juggernaut that had monopolized international chess for two and a half decades—and won.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
Unravelling the Mystery of the Infantorium: The Remarkable Story of Dr. Martin Cooney
In the grand tapestry of human history, few tales are as remarkable and thought-provoking as that of Dr. Martin Cooney. Nestled amidst the vibrant chaos of Coney Island, Cooney established a revolutionary neonatal care unit in the early 20th century, forever altering the landscape of infant healthcare. His journey not only sheds light on the challenges faced by premature infants but also highlights the cultural and medical landscapes of a bygone era.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
The Star That’s Older Than the Universe: The Mystery of the Methuselah Star
Tucked away in the constellation Libra, 190 light-years from Earth, lies a stellar oddity that has puzzled astronomers for decades. This unassuming star, officially designated as HD 140283, doesn't look particularly special. It’s neither exceptionally bright nor particularly large, and by all outward appearances, it behaves like a typical star. However, a closer examination of this ancient celestial body reveals something that’s baffled scientists for over two decades – this star appears to be older than the universe itself.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
Why Can't Anyone Find This Mysterious Country? The Great Gregor McGregor's Poyais
If you happened to be living in London in May 1821, you would have witnessed something strange: a flurry of unseasonably late snow on the 27th. Considering it was almost summer, such miserable weather could easily dampen spirits. But what I’m about to tell you isn’t a weather forecast from two centuries ago. No, I’m actually using a technique known as pathetic fallacy. By attributing human emotions (in this case, misery) to non-human elements like the weather, we can reflect the gloomy feelings of the people of London.
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
Solve This Riddle to Unlock Millions: The Beale Ciphers
Do these numbers mean anything to you? If they do, congratulations—you’re potentially a millionaire! The world is filled with get-rich-quick schemes and promises of wealth from dubious sources, but few can match the allure of these mysterious numbers. Forget about ‘Nigerian Princes’ or tales of making a fortune online in three months. These numbers, if deciphered, could unlock a treasure estimated to be worth a staggering $93 million!
By Marveline Merababout a year ago in History
