What do you know about foods with unexpected histories? Like popsicles or corn flakes? Potato Chips One famous story says potato chips were created in 1853 at a restaurant in Saratoga Springs, New York, after chef George Crum became annoyed by a customer repeatedly complaining that his fried potatoes were too thick. Crum sliced them …
What bizarre historical coincidences do you know about? What about the shipwreck that happened twice or the man that survived two atomic bombings? Two Presidents and Their Uncanny Pattern Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy were both assassinated while serving as U.S. president. Lincoln was elected in 1860; Kennedy in 1960. Both were succeeded by …
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What strange things named after people do you know about? What about nicotine or sandwiches? Silhouette — Étienne de Silhouette A silhouette is a dark outline of a person or object, but the word began with a French finance minister. Étienne de Silhouette served briefly under King Louis XV in 1759 and became notorious for …
Did you read 25 Things With Weird Origins: Part One? Because this is part two. Champagne Sabering Opening champagne with a sword may sound like an ancient military tradition, but it became associated with celebrations among French cavalry officers during the Napoleonic era. The bottle’s glass lip can be broken away along the seam. The …
What things do you think you’ll see on this list of 25 things with weird origins? Do you know the story of silly putty or ketchup? Bubble Wrap Bubble Wrap wasn’t originally invented as packaging. In 1957, engineers Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes were trying to create a futuristic textured wallpaper by sealing two shower …
Do you think you know all the places with weird back stories on this list? Maybe you have one to add to the list that isn’t already there? The Winchester Mystery House Built by Sarah Winchester, the mansion is famous for staircases leading nowhere, doors opening into walls, and an enormous maze-like layout. Legend says …
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We’re all familiar with the major consequences of significant world events. For example, everyone knows how the American Civil War led to the abolition of slavery or how the Industrial Revolution created the modern factory-based economic models. But a big splash creates a lot of ripples. Most important events also had unexpected side effects that …
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Too many people on the road drive so recklessly that they make you question whether they should be behind the wheel. If you’ve ever driven anywhere, you’ve certainly wondered if the driver ahead of you is blind or drunk or something. In this strange case, you would’ve been correct on both counts – the driver …
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What’s your favorite thing to do on your birthday? Maybe you like to throw a big party for everyone you know, grab dinner with your family, or go do something special with someone special. Or how about spending your birthday trapped underground in a tiny hole? No? That doesn’t sound like a good time? You …
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Do you think you know all the bizarre medical treatments on this list? Like cocaine in medicine or tobacco enemas? Mercury Medicine Mercury compounds were used historically to treat diseases including syphilis. Physicians prescribed mercury in ointments, pills and vapors despite its toxicity. Patients could experience salivation, neurological symptoms, kidney damage and other serious effects. …
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