Some people seem destined for greatness on the basis of their names, alone. Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar, for example, may have achieved success as secretary of the interior and associate justice of […]
The Spanish-American War was about to experience one of its most dramatic events. The date was July 1, 1898. Future President Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders were positioned at the bottom […]
When Winston Churchill donated his home to the United Kingdom’s National Trust, he did so with the request that there always be a marmalade cat named Jock, with a white bib and […]
Certain lines from movies are so iconic that they are immediately recognized. “I am your father!” is instantly associated with James Earl Jones’ powerful portrayal of Darth Vader. Who can read the […]
“Just Do It” has been the slogan of Nike since 1988. The words evoke visions of bold determination and inspirational challenges to be your best. Far from inspirational, the origin of the […]
To be a good practical joker, you need to have patience. Timing of a joke is everything. By that measure, Charles Vance Millar had all the makings of being one of the […]
Albert Einstein’s (1879-1955) life was marked by his ability to answer many of science’s greatest mysteries. Paradoxically, his dying words left us with questions that will never be answered.
General John Sedgwick (1813-1864) saw his final combat at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House on May 9, 1864. Confederate sharpshooters were about 1,000 yards (900 m) away, and their shots caused members […]
Spanish playwright Lope de Vega (1562-1635) had one secret that he carried up to the very end. As an eminent contributor to the world of literature, he tried not to speak ill […]
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was famous for his humorous, ironic observations. This quality stayed with him right up to the end. The final words attributed to the Irishman, as he lay on his […]
Giuseppe Zangara attempted to kill President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 15, 1933. Although missing FDR, Zangara’s shots managed to mortally wound Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak, who died 23 days later, on […]
President Ronald Reagan liked to tell the story about the time he and Nancy visited a cemetery in Ireland. They came across an old gravestone, on which was carved this inscription: Remember […]
“Stopped.” That was the last word spoken by Joseph Henry Green (1791-1863). The English surgeon spoke that word upon checking his own pulse. Read the last words and epitaphs of the famous […]
Mark Gruenwald was best known for his work with Marvel Comics and serving as Executive Editor of Captain America and Iron Man. After a fatal heart attack in 1996, an interesting request […]
It is not possible to speak at any length about the animated cartoon industry without mentioning Mel Blanc. He provided voices in over 3,000 cartoons for over 400 different characters, including over 100 […]
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