Author: Alastair Blackwood
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Basketball Was First Played Using a Soccer Ball
The story of basketball’s start is quite interesting, tied to the late 19th century’s game inventions. In 1891, a new indoor game came to life, catching the eyes of millions around the world. This game, now known as basketball, started with a surprising fact: it used a soccer ball. James Naismith, a physical education teacher…
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Cucumbers Were Previously Called “Cowcumbers”
Did you know cucumbers, those crisp green veggies we love in salads, were once known by a different name? They were called “cowcumbers.” This quirky term isn’t just a vegetable pun but a fascinating piece of food history. The journey from “cowcumber” to “cucumber” is as refreshing as the vegetable itself. This change in nomenclature…
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Zachary Taylor Never Voted Until His Own Presidential Election
Zachary Taylor, a career military officer, voted for the first time when he ran for president. He had never voted before that. His journey to the White House shows how important it is to vote and get involved in politics in America. The 1848 election was a big moment for Taylor. He had always stayed…
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Tomatoes Were Once Sold as a Medicine
Tomatoes were once seen as a cure-all, not just a kitchen staple. This change started in the early 18th century in the southern U.S. People grew them for looks, not food. It was a tough journey for tomatoes to become accepted as food. At first, no one saw the health benefits of tomatoes. Until the…
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Bea Arthur Served as a Marine Before Acting
Before she became the sharp-tongued Dorothy Zbornak, Bea Arthur had a different adventure. The iconic actress, known for her wit and commanding presence, first served her country in a surprising role. Arthur’s journey from Bea Arthur’s Marine Service to Hollywood stardom shows her versatility and dedication. Born Bernice Frankel, Arthur joined the Marine Corps Women’s…
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Tug-of-War Was Once an Olympic Sport
Believe it or not, Olympic Tug-of-War was once a key event at the Summer Games. From 1900 to 1920, athletes showed off their strength in this rope pulling contest. The sport was part of the Olympic athletics program, drawing crowds to see these intense matches. Teams started with six members in 1900, then changed to…
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Cotton Candy Was Created by a Dentist
Discover the surprising origin of cotton candy, invented by a dentist! Learn how this tooth-friendly treat became a beloved fairground staple worldwide.
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Marie Curie’s Daughter Also Earned a Nobel Prize
Discover how Marie Curie’s daughter, Irène Joliot-Curie, followed in her mother’s footsteps and won a Nobel Prize for her groundbreaking work in radioactivity research.
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Shakespeare’s Wife Anne Hathaway Was Eight Years His Senior
Discover the intriguing story of Shakespeare’s older wife, Anne Hathaway, and how their age gap relationship shaped the Bard’s life and works in Elizabethan England.
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Forks Were Seen as Sinful in the Middle Ages
Discover why forks were considered sinful in medieval times. Explore the surprising history of this common utensil and its controversial past. Forks Seen as Sinful!