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Fascinating True Stories From the Flip Side of History

On the Web Since 1994

Podcasting Since January 2008

Pimientos Could Be an Influenza Cure

Published on May 11, 2020

Posted in: Science, Technology & Medicine, Tidbits

Back in 1918, scientists were experimenting with pimientos peppers to see if they could be used to prevent influenza infections.

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Iodine and Creosote Influenza Cure

Published on May 4, 2020

Posted in: Death and Murder, Science, Technology & Medicine, Tidbits

In 1918, Dr. George F. Baer claimed to have an influenza cure that was made with creosote and iodine.

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Tells Amazing Tale of Mars

Published on December 1, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Science, Technology & Medicine, Tidbits

On August 13, 1906, Sackville G. Leyson told of how his spirit was able to travel to Mars and back in 40 minutes while his body lay still.

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Edwin Land’s Invention

Published on October 23, 2019

Posted in: Science, Technology & Medicine, Tidbits

Edwin Land invented a piece of glass on which he aligned billions of crystals. This invention made him rich, but another made him even wealthier.

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Idea Wasn’t a Bust

Published on August 24, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Science, Technology & Medicine, Tidbits

It was reported on August 13, 1949 that engineer turned fashion designer Charles Langs was having a problem meeting demand for his new product that he named “The Posies.”

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Suits Made from Paper

Published on August 17, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Science, Technology & Medicine, Tidbits

In 1920, Great Britain was importing men's suits that were made of paper.

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First Tire to Cross the Pacific?

Published on June 27, 2019

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Science, Technology & Medicine, Tidbits

Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Herndon were the first aviators to fly non-stop across the Pacific. Their Firestone tire was found a short distance away.

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An Incredible Life of Learning

Published on March 27, 2019

Posted in: Podcast, Science, Technology & Medicine

The wonderful story of a man who started his career as a soda jerk in a pharmacy and ultimately made his way to be appointed as the Interim Dean at the Albany College of Pharmacy.

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That’s My Parking Spot!

Published on October 5, 2018

Posted in: Science, Technology & Medicine, Tidbits

A story from 1961 about how hard it can be to find a parking spot for your car in Kansas City.

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Kept Alive by Pumping Arms

Published on August 21, 2018

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Science, Technology & Medicine, Tidbits

In 1927, 18-year old Walter L. Boothe was kept alive for sixteen days by his friends who constantly pumped his arms up and down.

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Self-Service Gasoline

Published on July 26, 2018

Posted in: Money & Financial, Science, Technology & Medicine, Tidbits

Opposition to self-service gasoline stations was very high in the 1940s and '50s. Today, only New Jersey has a total ban on them.

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Rubber Hose Cures Hiccups

Published on June 28, 2018

Posted in: Science, Technology & Medicine, Tidbits

A team of doctors determined that hiccups could be cured by sticking a flexible rubber tube up a patient's nose and stimulating the nerve endings of the pharynx.

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More Intelligent People Have Gout

Published on June 20, 2018

Posted in: Science, Technology & Medicine, Tidbits

On June 30, 1959, a UPI article discussed how two US government scientists, Dewitt Stetten, Jr. and John Z. Hearon, were studying the relationship between gout and intelligence.

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Cow Jumps Over the Moon

Published on June 16, 2018

Posted in: Animals & Pets, Bizarre & Oddities, Science, Technology & Medicine, Tidbits

Elm Farm Ollie became the first cow to fly on February 18, 1930 when a tri-motored Ford airplane flew her to a height of 5,000 feet.

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Moons of Mars Made by Martians

Published on June 12, 2018

Posted in: Science, Technology & Medicine, Tidbits

On May 1, 1959, it was reported that Soviet scientist Iosif Shklovsky had found evidence that the two moons of Mars, Phobos and Deimos, may be artificial.

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