The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers first met while trying to escape a violent encounter at a college concert — The world of music is a difficult business to break into and find lasting success. This is especially true of groups, which have to navigate competing interests, jealousy and other roadblocks that present a threat against harmony. Thus, it’s vitally important to link up with performing partners you believe you…

The iconic writer had a macabre practice of keeping a human organ in her possession — English novelist Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Shelley cemented her status as an iconic writer with her epic novel Frankenstein (Frankenstein; or. The Modern Prometheus). The gothic tale was an early example of the science fiction genre and has sent ripples of terror through generations of readers over the years. Besides her…

One of the world’s most popular sports was once seen as a detriment to running a country — Golf is one of the oldest and most widely enjoyed sports in the world. One region where it has some of its deepest roots and richest traditions is Scotland, which is also most likely where the game was born. Despite its relatively serene nature, golf was banned there for a…

The beloved performer and educator had a special affinity for the number 143 — One of the most beloved figures in American history was Fred Rogers. Lovingly called Mister Rogers, the educator, author and minister was best known for the eponymous Mister Rogers Neighborhood young children’s television program that ran on PBS for 33 years (1968–2001). A man known for his kindness and an…

In the 1930s, a man was discovered stealing because of his forgeries — only he had no hands — Despite the criminal element of it all, there is something artistic about the work of forgers, From meticulously copying signatures, to replicating paintings, the ability to recreate something that is so similar to the original that it tricks the naked eye is a dazzling talent. Training the mind and hands…

More than 100 years ago, a gift mailed to a New Jersey man wasn’t from a secret Santa, it was from someone trying to kill him — Christmas is a time for friends and family, often represented by the exchange of gifts to signify goodwill and cheer. Unfortunately, some gifts aren’t always given with good intentions, including a mysterious present one Princeton, New Jersey man received more than a century ago that was intended to kill him.

Peter the Great didn’t want his subjects to sport facial hair, and if they did he wanted them to pay for it — Peter the Great of Russia was instrumental in bringing modernity to his country during his 43-year reign as Czar. Elevating the vast country from backwards ways required a great deal of ingenuity and money, the latter being in precious short supply. …

A 1950s youngster found herself on the midst of a bizarre legal case after she wouldn’t stop swearing — Prisons and jails typically hold inmates who have either made grave mistakes, or are hardened criminals who have devoted themselves to a life of crime. …

One of the greatest players in the history of the sport chose another all-time great, albeit one who is rarely mentioned in conversations about the best — Nearly a century after he last played, baseball legend Ty Cobb remains the standard bearer of hitting. Still holding the record for the highest career batting average of all time, he saw many pitchers during his 24 year playing career, and in the decades after, as he remained closely tied…