Author: Alastair Blackwood
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A Medieval Woman Was Named Diot Coke
In the vast tapestry of history, some names stand out for their sheer uniqueness. One such name, recently discovered by researcher George Redmonds, belongs to a 14th-century English woman named Diot Coke. This unusual moniker has captured the attention of historians and those fascinated by medieval names and historical figures. Diot Coke’s existence was uncovered…
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A Newspaper Claimed Moon Life Discovery in 1835
In a sensational feat of journalism, the New York Sun newspaper published a series of six articles in August 1835 that would become known as “The Great Moon Hoax.” The articles claimed that renowned astronomer Sir John Herschel had discovered evidence of life on the moon, including fantastical creatures like unicorns, two-legged beavers, and furry,…
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Iceland and Britain Had Conflicts Known as the “Cod Wars”
The Cod Wars were a series of heated fishing disputes between Iceland and the United Kingdom that took place in the North Atlantic during the mid-20th century. These confrontations not only strained diplomatic relations between the two nations but also played a significant role in shaping international maritime law. The term “cod war” was coined…
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Home Mail Delivery Became Mandatory in the U.S. in 1923
In the early days of mail delivery in the United States, Americans had to visit their local Post Office to retrieve their mail. However, as cities grew and the volume of mail increased, a new system was needed. In 1863, free city delivery was established in certain Post Offices where the income from local postage…
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A Great Dane Received a Medal for Heroism in World War II
During the dark days of World War II, a remarkable Great Dane named Juliana demonstrated extraordinary courage and bravery. Her heroic actions not only saved lives but also earned her the prestigious Blue Cross medal, making her a true war hero. Juliana’s story is a testament to the incredible bond between humans and their loyal…
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Early Canned Food Required Soldiers to Open Cans with Bayonets
In the early days of canned food history, the process of preserving food for military rations was a challenging endeavor. The quest for effective food preservation methods began in the late 18th century when the French government offered a prize to anyone who could develop a reliable technique to prevent food spoilage for soldiers on…
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Brunch Was First Used as a Term in 1895
The origin of brunch dates back to 1895 when British author Guy Beringer first coined the term in his essay “Brunch: A Plea” for Hunter’s Weekly. Beringer introduced the concept of a breakfast-lunch hybrid, suggesting that readers forgo their heavy Sunday meals in favor of a lighter fare served earlier in the day. This brunch…
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The 1904 Olympic Marathon Winner Cheated by Riding in a Car
The 1904 Olympic marathon in St. Louis was marred by a cheating scandal involving Frederick Lorz, who initially appeared to have won the race. However, it was later revealed that Lorz had ridden in a car for 11 miles during the grueling marathon, leading to his disqualification. Lorz, an American athlete, was plagued by muscle…
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The Fabergé Company Once Created a Jeweled Potato
At the prestigious TEFAF art, antiques, and design fair in Maastricht this March, visitors were captivated by an unusual Fabergé Jeweled Potato displayed by A La Vieille Russie, a New York-based antiques shop renowned for Russian artifacts. This unique, gem-encrusted masterpiece showcased Fabergé’s signature blend of luxury and whimsy, featuring a potato carved from pinkie-brown…
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A Baboon Was Employed by a South African Railway in the 1880s
In the annals of unusual animal tales, the story of Jack the baboon stands out as a remarkable example of a creature performing tasks typically reserved for humans. This true story from the 1880s in South Africa involves a railway employee named James Wide and his unlikely assistant, a baboon named Jack. Wide, who had…