Topic

Biography & Personal Stories

A collection of 193 issues

The Phantom Death Ray: How a British Inventor Fooled the Military and Vanished with the Secret

In 1923, British inventor Harry Grindell Matthews claimed to have a "death ray" capable of stopping engines from afar. After dazzling demonstrations for the military, he'd refuse further inspection and vanish with his equipment, leaving behind a trail of mystery and deep skepticism.

Krystyna Skarbek: The Polish Countess Who Became Churchill's Favorite Spy

Meet Krystyna Skarbek, the Polish countess who became Britain's first female field agent. Known for her fearless exploits and charisma, she was Churchill's favorite spy and the longest-serving woman in the SOE, a true legend of WWII espionage whose story is as thrilling as it is tragic.

The 19-Year Duel: How Two Napoleonic Officers Turned a Petty Insult into History's Longest Rivalry

In 1794, a trivial insult sparked a 19-year duel between French officers Fournier and Dupont. Their pact led to over 30 battles across Europe amidst the Napoleonic Wars. The legendary rivalry ended not with a fatal blow, but with a surprising handshake and an unlikely friendship.

He Stole Scenes and Fought Stigma: The Short, Remarkable Life of Airplane!'s Stephen Stucker

Stephen Stucker, the hilarious traffic controller from 'Airplane!', was a comedic genius whose life was cut short by AIDS at 38. One of the first celebrities to publicly disclose his diagnosis, his bravery in the face of a terrifying new epidemic remains a poignant part of his legacy.

Black Agnes: The Countess Who Mocked an English Siege and Became a Legend

In 1338, during the Second War of Scottish Independence, Countess Agnes of Dunbar led the five-month defense of Dunbar Castle against a superior English army. Her psychological warfare and a chillingly defiant retort when her captured brother's life was threatened cemented her status as a folk hero.

Dyn-O-Mite Discovery: Janet Jackson's Forgotten Dramatic Role on 'Good Times'

Long before she was a global music icon, Janet Jackson was a child actor. At just 11 years old, she played Penny Gordon on the hit sitcom 'Good Times,' tackling a serious and groundbreaking storyline about child abuse that many viewers still remember vividly today.

From Diplomacy to Dribbling: The Bizarre Story of Henry Kissinger, Honorary Harlem Globetrotter

In a bizarre 1970s intersection of politics and pop culture, controversial diplomat Henry Kissinger was named an honorary Harlem Globetrotter. This strange alliance reflects the Cold War era's use of 'soft power' and remains a perplexing piece of trivia today.

Don't Make Me Over: The Song Born from Dionne Warwick's Righteous Anger

Furious that her promised debut song was given to another artist, Dionne Warwick angrily told songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David, 'Don't make me over!' The phrase inspired them to write a new song, which became the first hit for the legendary trio and launched her career.

The Unsung King of Discogs: Why a Mastering Engineer is More Collected Than The Beatles

On Discogs, the world's biggest music database, the most collected person isn't a rock star. It's mastering engineer Bob Ludwig, whose iconic "RL" signature on vinyl records like Led Zeppelin II is a holy grail for audiophiles and collectors seeking the ultimate sound quality.