In 1935, an Illinois parent felt so badly about having spanked the wrong child that he took drastic measures to keep track of his twins — Having identical twins can prove to be trying times for parents. Not only is there double the work, but keeping track of two children who are alike in just about every way is mentally taxing. Finding new ways to navigate such challenges can be a game changer. However, that may…

A brilliant female designer helped conceptualize one of the most widely used items in the world at a time when women were typically not in such positions — In recent years, the N-95 mask has become a staple of everyday life. With the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly everyone has worn one at some point, and seen countless others similarly equipped. The face covering has been invaluable from a health standpoint and numerous other utilities. However, it got its start…

The baseball Hall-of-Famer wanted to manage when his playing days were over, but big league teams didn’t want him — Left-handed pitcher Warren Spahn was a model of consistency and success during a lengthy big league baseball career. A veritable ace for nearly two decades, he remains in the conversation as one of the best hurlers of all time. Unfortunately, his success didn’t always translate into the respect he was…

Cigars, bare feet, special gifts and no women allowed was the norm on special Executive flights for two decades — Airlines offer varying levels of flight accommodations with the intent of drawing more customers. Naturally, these have changed over the years, but could look very different in the past. …

The last person ever executed in Lichtenstein was a woman who became wealthy pulling the same con over and over for more than 15 years — Although thievery is generally shunned in society, there are occasionally thiefs who are so audacious and daring that they transcend the typical stench of criminal behavior and become the stuff of lgend. Such was the case with Barbara Erni, an 18th century Austrian woman who became a cultural icon as…

In the early part of the 20th century, a thrill ride designed to emulate the exciting life of a US President instead became a death machine Out of the men who have served as President of the United States over the past 250 or so years, none have had quite…

One of the biggest move stars in the world credits a bad meal at a popular fast food location for helping save his life and career — In the realms of Hollywood and movies, there are few active figures with as large and popular a profile as actor Robert Downey Jr. His affect, which is both acerbic and sardonic, make him an undeniable force that has translated into him becoming one of the most successful in his…

One of the most widely used features of modern cars was born out of a frustrating car ride a brilliant, but blind, engineer took with his attorney — Innovation is often taken for granted. Every time something is invented that makes life a little bit easier, people gobble it up until the next thing comes along to fawn over, leaving little room for true appreciation. One 20th century development that has been used countless times the world over…

After having provided ash trays and sold cigarettes for years, hoispitals suddenly started banning such activity — and it wasn’t for the reason one might think — There are many things in everyday life that are bad for us. One of the most widely recognized in this category is smoking cigarettes. However, it was barely 50 years ago that American hospitals sold cigarettes to patients, including nurses having patients buy them directly from their beds.