Topic

History

A collection of 463 issues

Operation Morning Light: The Day a Soviet Nuclear Reactor Fell on Canada

In 1978, the Soviet nuclear-powered satellite Kosmos 954 crashed, scattering radioactive debris across northern Canada. The massive US-Canadian cleanup, Operation Morning Light, sparked a diplomatic dispute over the multi-million dollar bill, which the USSR only partially paid.

History Technology & Innovation Wars, Conflict & Heroes

Holy War in North America: How Mexico's Laws Against Priests Ignited the Cristero Rebellion

In 1926, Mexican President Calles enacted a harsh anti-clerical law, banning public worship and even priestly attire. This "Calles Law" triggered the Cristeros War, a bloody 3-year conflict where citizens fought the state for their right to religious freedom.

History Wars, Conflict & Heroes Religion & Philosophy

Echoes of the Void: The Day Nikola Tesla Believed He Heard from Mars

In 1899, inventor Nikola Tesla detected rhythmic signals at his Colorado lab. Believing they were too orderly to be natural, he famously speculated they were an intelligent message from another world, possibly Mars, making him a pioneer in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Science & Nature History Biography & Personal Stories

The Pavlova Wars: Unraveling the Sweet Mystery of a Trans-Tasman Dessert

The Pavlova, a meringue dessert named for ballerina Anna Pavlova, is fiercely claimed by both Australia and New Zealand. While the debate rages, research suggests its true origins are European, predating the iconic dancer's tour and making this a truly international affair.

Food & Lifestyle History Art, Culture & Design

No War, No Peace: The Revolutionary Gamble That Almost Cost Lenin Everything

In 1918, Leon Trotsky gambled that Russia could exit WWI without a treaty, hoping to inspire a German revolution. The bluff failed, leading to a swift German invasion and a peace so humiliating it nearly fractured the new Bolshevik government. A stark lesson in idealism versus reality.

History Wars, Conflict & Heroes

More Brawling Than Balling: The Wild Story of the First Basketball Game's 1-0 Final Score

Forget the NBA's high-flying dunks. The first basketball game, played in 1891, was a chaotic, 9-on-9 affair that ended in a shocking 1-0 victory. The only point came from a 25-foot shot in a game filled with tackling, punching, and peach baskets for hoops. It was pure mayhem.

Sports & Games History

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

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