Topic

Biography & Personal Stories

A collection of 210 issues

From Anarchy to the TARDIS: The Punk Rock Past of Peter Capaldi and Craig Ferguson

Before he was Doctor Who and he was a late-night TV host, Peter Capaldi and Craig Ferguson were bandmates in a Glasgow punk rock group called The Dreamboys. This unlikely friendship, forged in art school and acid trips, is a fascinating footnote in the history of two entertainment icons.

Entertainment & Media Music Biography & Personal Stories

The Immortal Record: How Michael Phelps Finally Surpassed an Ancient Greek God of the Stadium

For 2,168 years, Leonidas of Rhodes held the record for most individual Olympic titles with 12 victories. Hailed as a god, his versatile dominance in ancient running events seemed untouchable until 2016, when swimmer Michael Phelps finally surpassed the legendary feat.

History Sports & Games Biography & Personal Stories

The Impossible Case of Phineas Gage: The Man Who Survived a Hole in His Head

In 1848, railroad foreman Phineas Gage miraculously survived a 13-pound iron rod blasting through his skull. While he physically recovered, his personality changed drastically, providing the first major evidence linking the brain's frontal lobes to personality and social behavior.

Medicine, Psychology & Health Biography & Personal Stories Science & Nature

The Cosmic Fender Bender: How a 1980 Chevy Malibu Became the Most Famous Car Hit by a Meteorite

On October 9, 1992, a 12.57 kg meteorite blazed across the Eastern US, ending its 4.4-billion-year journey by smashing into the trunk of 17-year-old Michelle Knapp's 1980 Chevy Malibu in Peekskill, NY. The cosmic collision turned her $300 car into a priceless astronomical artifact.

Science & Nature History Biography & Personal Stories

More Than a Sketch: The Man Who Gave Mickey Mouse His Voice

Walt Disney was the original voice of Mickey Mouse, shaping his iconic falsetto from 1928's 'Steamboat Willie' until 1947. A heavy smoking habit damaged his voice, forcing him to pass the role to sound effects artist Jimmy MacDonald, whom he personally trained for the part.

Entertainment & Media Biography & Personal Stories History

The Four Extra Teeth That Powered a Legend: Freddie Mercury's Vocal Secret

Freddie Mercury had four extra teeth, causing a severe overbite he was self-conscious of. He refused to have them fixed, believing the unique space they created in his mouth was the secret to his incredible four-octave vocal range and fearing any change would destroy his gift.

Music Biography & Personal Stories Medicine, Psychology & Health

The Awkwardest Houseguest: How Hans Christian Andersen Ruined His Friendship with Charles Dickens

In 1857, Hans Christian Andersen visited his idol, Charles Dickens. A planned two-week stay stretched to five, marked by weeping fits and social blunders. The strangest moment? When Andersen demanded Dickens's son shave him daily, a "custom" that ended their friendship for good.

Biography & Personal Stories Literature & Books History

The Houseguest from Hell: When Hans Christian Andersen's Visit Drove Charles Dickens Mad

When fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen visited his idol Charles Dickens, his five-week stay became a nightmare. His bizarre behavior, including asking Dickens's son for a daily shave, destroyed their friendship and left the Dickens family utterly exasperated.

Biography & Personal Stories Literature & Books History

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