Yellow Tennis Balls for TV

Tennis Balls Became Yellow for Better TV Visibility

In the early 1970s, the world of tennis underwent a significant change as television networks transitioned from black and white to color broadcasting. Households were upgrading their TV sets, and the sport of tennis needed to adapt to ensure optimal visibility for viewers. Enter the iconic yellow tennis balls that have become synonymous with the…

Disney's Mickey Mouse Artists

Walt Disney Didn’t Personally Draw Mickey Mouse

When you think of Walt Disney, the iconic cartoon character Mickey Mouse immediately comes to mind. However, the truth is that Disney himself did not actually create the beloved animation star. In 1928, it was Disney’s close friend and talented animator, Ub Iwerks, who brought Mickey Mouse to life. Iwerks, a skilled artist and long-time…

Caesar Salad Misnomer

Caesar Salad Was Not Named After the Roman Emperor

Despite its imperial-sounding name, the Caesar salad origin has nothing to do with the famed Roman ruler Julius Caesar. In fact, this iconic dish was invented by Caesar Cardini, an Italian immigrant restaurateur, in the early 20th century. Cardini operated a popular restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico during the 1920s, which attracted many American celebrities and…

Cod Wars

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…

Guinness Records' Pub Origins

The Guinness Book of Records Started to Resolve Pub Disputes

The Guinness Book of Records, now known as Guinness World Records, has a fascinating origin story rooted in the lively atmosphere of Irish pubs. This iconic reference book, which has become a global phenomenon, began as a simple idea to help settle arguments among pub patrons. The brainchild of Sir Hugh Beaver, the Managing Director…

New York Times Logo Period

The New York Times Logo Had a Period at the End Until 1967

The New York Times logo is one of the most recognizable and iconic mastheads in the world of journalism. The newspaper, founded in 1851, has a rich history that spans over 170 years. Throughout this time, The New York Times has become synonymous with high-quality reporting, in-depth investigations, and thought-provoking commentary. However, one little-known fact…

Seagull U-Boat Spotters

British Attempted to Train Seagulls to Spot German U-Boats

During World War I, the British Navy faced a daunting challenge in combating the threat posed by German U-boats. These submarines wreaked havoc on Allied shipping, sinking thousands of ships and claiming countless lives. In a desperate bid to gain an edge in the battle against the U-boats, the British explored unconventional methods, including a…

Mandatory U.S. Mail Delivery

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…

Great Dane War Hero

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…

Purple's Royal Association

Purple Became Associated with Royalty Due to Expensive Dye

For centuries, the color purple has been synonymous with royalty, power, and wealth. This association can be traced back to the rarity and cost of the purple dye that was initially used to produce clothing in this coveted hue. The source of this dye was a small mollusk found only in the Tyre region of…