Often a genius is someone who just looks at a problem differently.  Between 1905 and 1907, John Frank Stevens was the Chief Engineer on the Panama Canal.  The problem? Sections of the canal were dug into jungle soil where there … Continue reading →

Before there was a Wild West, bandanas were the rage in England among the wealthy. Why? Because users of snuff blew their noses and ‘such activity’ left ‘residue’ on white handkerchiefs. A wily entrepreneur found a solution – and a … Continue reading →

In 47 BCE, Julius Caesar was faced with a mutiny.  The Tenth Legion was demanding unpaid wage for their service and balking at going to the war in Africa. Worse, they were threatening to ravage the city of Rome. It … Continue reading →

When it comes to “the past,” it is so easy to say, “Well, in those days ….”  But there were 365 days a year in every one of “those days,” and in every one of “those days” our grandparents had … Continue reading →

Quick, millenials, what is this?  And why did your grandparents always take a pen to the library?  (Library: a big building with lots of free books.  Books: things you read to learn facts, theories, issues and approachs you never knew … Continue reading →

Frank B. Adams, born in 1847, was a professional carom billiards player – in the days when you used your fingers to ‘shoot’ the ball rather than a pool cue. To shoot the ball, you placed it between your thumb … Continue reading →

As part of his duties as King of Prussia, Frederick William I, King of Prussia, (1688-1740), went to a prison in Potsdam to hear petitions for pardons. One after another the inmates came into his presence and told the king … Continue reading →

This photograph intrigues me. Why?  Because these salmon left this stream five years ago when they were fry. They have never seen a grizzly bear. But here they are giving the bear a wide berth. They know it is a … Continue reading →

One fateful day in the 1870s, the James Robinson Circus traveled to Middleton, Missouri.  As was usual in those days, the circus made a parade circuit around town.  To drum up business, management told the circus band to ride on … Continue reading →

        Two of the best known singers of all time are Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis.  But not many people know the songs that made them famous were written by Otis Blackwell.  Born in Brooklyn in … Continue reading →