Bob Norris, the very first Marlboro Man, had a chance encounter with fame when he was spotted in a photo alongside the famous John Wayne. Serving as the face of the Marlboro Man for 12 years, it’s surprising to note that Bob never actually smoked a single cigarette. As a...
Government Cheese: A Controversial Chapter in US History
In the 1980s, the US government found itself with a massive surplus of cheese due to volatile milk production and federal support for the dairy industry. With over 500 million pounds of processed American cheese stored in warehouses across 35 states, the government struggled to find a use for it....
Hidden Treasure: $4 Frame Reveals Rare Declaration of Independence Copy
In 1989, a man purchased an unappealing artwork for its $4 frame, only to find one of the 26 existing copies of the United States’ Declaration of Independence concealed behind it. He subsequently auctioned it off for a staggering $2.42 million.
The US’s Distinct Approach to Labor Day
While the majority of the world observes Labor Day on May 1st in memory of the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, the United States follows a different tradition. Rather than commemorating the event on May 1st, the US celebrates “Law Day” on this date. This special day emphasizes the importance of...
New York’s Quirky Moving Day Tradition
For more than a hundred years, spanning from colonial times to shortly after World War II, New York City witnessed a peculiar annual event called “Moving Day.” Every May 1st, the city’s streets transformed into a chaotic scene as a result of an oddity in New York law. With almost...
The Remarkable Journey of a Slave Who Mailed Himself to Freedom
In 1848, Henry Brown was a slave in his 30s who had spent almost 20 years working on a Virginia plantation. There, he met his wife and had three children with her. Tragically, the plantation owner sold Brown’s wife and children to another slave owner, leaving Brown powerless to intervene. By...
Two Buck Chuck’s Creator on Wine vs. Water Pricing
Fred Franzia, the creator of the affordable wine brand “Two Buck Chuck,” purchased the Charles Shaw name from a defunct winery for $27,000. When inquired about his wine’s lower price compared to water, Franzia humorously responded, “They’re overcharging for the water. Don’t you get it?”
Jerry Springer: A Tribute to the Television Icon with 5 Fascinating Facts from His Life
Today, we mourn the passing of Jerry Springer, a legendary television personality who made a significant impact on pop culture. To honor his memory, we’ve compiled a list of five intriguing facts about his life. Born in a WWII bomb shelter: Jerry Springer entered the world in extraordinary circumstances, as his...
Ekiben: Savoring Japan’s Train-Travel Delicacies
Ekiben, the quintessential Japanese train travel companion, are specially crafted bento box meals that showcase the unique flavors of each region. As passengers journey through Japan, they can indulge in these locally inspired delicacies that differ from station to station. In the 1980s, the popularity of ekiben soared, with an...
Stevie Wonder: From Frustration to Masterpiece
In 1975, the legendary artist Stevie Wonder found himself growing increasingly frustrated with the state of the U.S. government. At one point, he seriously considered leaving his music career behind and relocating to Ghana. Ultimately, however, he chose to channel his emotions into his work, which led to the creation...