History »
The Real Life “George Bailey” Who Founded Bank of Italy which Became Bank of America
Today I found out about the real life “George Bailey” (It’s a Wonderful Life), who founded the Bank of Italy which became Bank of America. The man was A.P. Giannini who was said to
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Adolf Hitler had a British Nephew Who Joined the U.S. Navy During WWII
Today I found out Adolf Hitler had a British nephew who joined the U.S. navy during WWII. Hitler’s nephew, who he would come to call “my loathsome nephew”, was originally named William Patrick Hitler,
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Why a Typical Work Day is Eight Hours Long
Note: This is a guest article contributed by frequent TIFO visitor and plastics engineer, Noah. Today I found out why a typical work day is eight hours long. During the Industrial Revolution, companies attempted
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The First Speeding Infraction in the U.S. was Committed by a New York City Taxi Driver in an Electric Car on May 20, 1899
Today I found out the first speeding infraction in the U.S. was committed by a New York City taxi driver in an electric car on May 20, 1899. The driver was Jacob German who
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There Once was a Major League Baseball Player That was Traded for Himself
Today I found out there once was a Major League Baseball player that was traded for himself. That player was Harry Chiti. Chiti was a catcher who played in the major leagues from 1950-1962,
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Why Bathing Was Uncommon in Medieval Europe
Today I found out that why bathing was uncommon in Medieval Europe. Before the Middle Ages, public baths were very common, as was the general public regularly taking time to bathe in one way
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The Pyramids of Giza Were Originally White
Today I found out the pyramids of Giza were originally white. When the pyramids were originally finished, they were plated in and outer layer of white “casing stones”. These casing stones were cut with
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In 1899 Ninety Percent of New York City’s Taxi Cabs Were Electric Vehicles
Today I found out in 1899 ninety percent of New York City’s taxi cabs were electric vehicles. This fleet of electric cars was built by the Electric Carriage and Wagon Company of Philadelphia. Not
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‘Uncle Sam’ was a Real Person
Today I found out that ‘Uncle Sam’ was a real person, Samuel Wilson, born September 13th, 1766 and died on July 31st, 1854. In 1789, Wilson and his brother Ebeneezer moved to Troy New
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An Encyclopedia Finished in 1408 That Contained Nearly One Million Pages
Today I found out about an encyclopedia finished in 1408 that contained nearly one million pages. This particular encyclopedia was called the “永樂大典”, which translates to “The Great Canon of the Yongle Era”; today
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