Topic

Biography & Personal Stories

A collection of 191 issues

A Somber Century: The Story of Cricket's Only 'Retired Not Out'

In 1983, West Indies batsman Gordon Greenidge left a Test match with a score of 154 to be with his critically ill daughter. His innings was recorded as 'retired not out,' a unique and poignant designation marking a tragic story that transcends sport.

Peljidiin Genden: The Mongolian Leader Who Stood Up to Stalin

In a 1935 confrontation, Mongolian Prime Minister Peljidiin Genden resisted Stalin's demands to persecute Buddhist clergy. Genden allegedly slapped the dictator and decried 'Red imperialism,' a singular act of defiance that sealed his fate during the Great Purge.

How Ronnie James Dio's Voice Broke a Vintage Mic During His Tenacious D Cameo

During the recording of "Kickapoo" for Tenacious D's "The Pick of Destiny," Ronnie James Dio's immense vocal power reportedly broke a high-end vintage microphone on the first take. The session was saved when they used the personal mic Dio, ever the professional, had brought with him.

The Soviet Colonel Who Averted Armageddon With a Gut Feeling

In 1983, a Soviet early-warning system reported an incoming US nuclear attack. The officer on duty, Stanislav Petrov, faced a protocol demanding immediate retaliation. He trusted his gut, reasoned a real attack would be larger, and reported a false alarm, averting war.

Dr. David Fajgenbaum's Remarkable Journey to Cure His Own Castleman Disease

Diagnosed with a deadly rare disease, medical student David Fajgenbaum used his own blood samples to find a life-saving drug. Now in remission, he leads a collaborative network to accelerate cures for others, pioneering a patient-centric research model.

The Dutch King's Secret Double Life as a Commercial Airline Pilot

For 21 years, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands secretly worked as a commercial airline pilot for KLM. Unbeknownst to passengers, he flew Fokker 70 and Boeing 737 jets as a 'guest pilot,' a hobby he called essential for his focus and relaxation.

The Girl Who Named Pluto and Lived to See Its Reclassification

In 1930, 11-year-old Venetia Burney suggested the name "Pluto" for a newly discovered planet. Her life uniquely spanned its entire history as the ninth planet, as she was still alive in 2006 to witness its controversial reclassification as a dwarf planet.

Fred Astaire's Surprising Final Performance Was on a Skateboard

Famed for his unparalleled grace on the dance floor, Fred Astaire's agility found a new stage in his late seventies. Inspired by local kids, the Hollywood icon took up skateboarding, becoming proficient enough to earn a lifetime membership to the National Skateboard Society.