Topic

Business & Economics

A collection of 113 issues

More Than a Mascot: The Shocking Truth Behind Six Flags' Mr. Six

Remember the dancing old man from the Six Flags commercials? Mr. Six became a cultural icon in the early 2000s. The surprising truth is that the energetic character was played not by an elderly man, but by 29-year-old British choreographer and professional dancer, Danny Teeson.

Entertainment & Media Art, Culture & Design Business & Economics

Radioactive Bling: The Time Kix Cereal Put a Real Atomic Bomb Ring in a Box

In 1947, Kix cereal offered a Lone Ranger 'Atomic Bomb Ring' for a box top and 15 cents. This was no ordinary toy; it contained a small amount of the radioactive element polonium-210, allowing kids to watch scintillations—or 'splitting atoms'—in the dark. A true relic of the Atomic Age.

History Science & Nature Business & Economics

White Coats and Weiners: The Deceptive Genius Behind Nathan's Famous

In 1916, to combat rumors his 5-cent hot dogs were low-quality, Nathan Handwerker hired students to dress as doctors and eat at his Coney Island stand. This brilliant marketing stunt convinced the public the wieners were healthy, launching a global brand.

Business & Economics History Food & Lifestyle

The Great Manhattan Giveaway: Why the Dutch Traded New York for a Sugar Colony

In 1674, the Dutch formally traded New Amsterdam (Manhattan) to England for Suriname. While this seems like a colossal blunder today, the immensely profitable sugar plantations of Suriname made it the far more valuable asset in the 17th century—a calculated economic power move.

History Business & Economics Geography & Places

How a 260-Ton Turkey Mistake Led to the Iconic TV Dinner

In 1953, a massive overestimation left Swanson with 260 tons of leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Salesman Gerry Thomas's innovative idea to package a full meal in an aluminum tray, marketed as the 'TV Dinner,' not only solved the problem but created an American cultural icon.

Business & Economics Food & Lifestyle History

A Beautiful Day for a Doomed Neighborhood: The Story of Target, Mr. Rogers, and a Failed Canadian Dream

In 2013, Target launched in Canada with a historic ad campaign using the Mr. Rogers theme song for the first time ever. The optimistic, neighborly welcome was a stark contrast to the retailer's swift and spectacular failure in the country less than two years later.

Business & Economics Entertainment & Media History

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