James Van Der Zee

Edison, Tesla, & Cats

Edison vs. Tesla. Only one has been the focus of one of the best Simpsons episodes ever, while the other was truly one of the great scientific minds- and cat lovers- in world history. Even though the details of this episode skirts being decidedly UNhappy, you’ll like where we end up.

Rose O’Neill

On the cusp of what would be the 19th Amendment, a self-trained American artist started a craze that involved a naked, mythical baby that supported universal suffrage. You can read that again if you want, but it won’t change the fact that it’s true. And awesome.

The Emu War

On the heels of World War I, Australia found itself embroiled in yet another fight against a formidable flightless foe. Though it may seem that we’re already breaking our “no war” pledge, this one might have a little bit of a happier ending than most.

James Van Der Zee

Can being a prodigy take a while? Can it take most of a century to become an overnight success? Maybe eight decades is just the right amount of time? For James Van Der Zee, the accomplishment was not in seeking a milestone: it was providing a service for the people in his community. History would eventually be richer for his work.

There Are No Simple Symbols

It’s a fairly standard practice to stand in respect for your country’s flag. But if you’ve ever accidentally acknowledged the wrong flag as that of your own country, you might have been at the Games of the XI Olympiad in 1936. But at least all national anthems are unique. Aren’t they?