The treat was created by accident in 1869 in the nearby market town of Kendal. Confectioner Joseph Wiper was in the process of making mints. During a bout of inattention, the sugary mixture started to solidify and turn cloudy. The… Continue Reading
Today, March 7, is Alexander Graham Bell Day, Discover What Your Name Means Day, National Be Heard Day, National Cereal Day, and National Crown Roast of Pork Day. On March 7, 1965, state troopers and a sheriff’s posse broke up… Continue Reading
Frieda Lady Harris’s grandson has just released his memoir, Odd Boy Out. It promises to give insight into the family history—including his grandparents and the family business “Bing Harris”—as well as his own life as a descendant of such illustrious… Continue Reading
March 4 is the Feast of Saladin, who died 825 years ago at Damascus, Syria. Saladin was a military and political leader who as sultan led Islamic forces against European Crusaders. His victory at the Battle of Hattin in 1187… Continue Reading
Today is the 143rd anniversary of the birth of Jeanne Calment, a French woman who had the longest confirmed human lifespan, 122 years and 164 days. She was born February 21, 1875 and died August 4, 1997, in Arles, France. She… Continue Reading
What can we learn from the Kinsey Report 70 years later? Was sex research always political? What do researchers need to ask? In an interview with Deutsche Welle, sex researcher Jakob Pastötter answers these and other questions on the 70th… Continue Reading
February is Black History Month, which the History Channel describes as “an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history. The event grew out of ‘Negro History Week,’… Continue Reading
One hundred sixty-seven years ago today, 1 February 1851, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley died of brain cancer. Born Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin 1 August 1797 in London, England, Shelley is best known for her novel, Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus, and for… Continue Reading
Sunday, 28 January is the Feast of Saint Carolus Magnus, also known Charlemagne, Karl der Grosse, and Carl the Great. While he is famous for his contributions to the Roman Catholic Church — he is Blessed, which is one step below… Continue Reading
Tonight is Burns Night, a celebration of the life and poetry of the Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns. Born 25 January 1759, Burns is widely considered to be the national poet of Scotland. He is known for “Auld Lang Syne,” “Scots Wha… Continue Reading