Tidbits Archives - Page 3 of 21 - Useless Information

Useless Information

Fascinating True Stories From the Flip Side of History

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Podcasting Since January 2008

Becomes Doctor after 45 Years

Published on January 7, 2022

Posted in: Science, Technology & Medicine, Tidbits

They say it's never too late to pursue one's dreams. Find out why it took August S. Claus so long to get his medical degree.

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Sucked into Jet Engine

Published on January 4, 2022

Posted in: Bizarre & Oddities, Escape and Survival, Tidbits

Can you imagine getting sucked into a jet engine? That happened to Al Richards in 1951 and he survived!

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Footnote – 1958: Christmases Have Merry Christmas

Published on December 24, 2021

Posted in: Holidays & Celebrations, Tidbits

The Christmases got together in 1958 to celebrate Christmas. They had to deal with prank calls from people making fun of their last name.

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Footnote – 1953: Absent-Minded Santa Claus

Published on December 23, 2021

Posted in: Holidays & Celebrations, Tidbits

Sometimes Santa needs to be more focused on the job that he has chosen to do...

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How To Fill A Giant Christmas Stocking?

Published on December 22, 2021

Posted in: Holidays & Celebrations, Tidbits

In 1965, radio station WDGY held a contest for the largest Christmas stocking. They were not prepared for what was submitted.

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Footnote – 1949: Ontario Boy Given Snake by Museum

Published on December 21, 2021

Posted in: Animals & Pets, Holidays & Celebrations, Tidbits

A couple from Ontario drove 125 miles so that their son could purchase a snake, only to find out that the museum had none for sale. Would his heart be broken for Christmas?

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Reindeer Nips Boy’s Finger

Published on December 20, 2021

Posted in: Holidays & Celebrations, Tidbits

In 1954, 2-year-old Richard Ferris decided to let a reindeer take a lick from his lollipop. That was a mistake...

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Footnote – 1948: Early Greeting Might Be Said in Bad Taste

Published on December 19, 2021

Posted in: Holidays & Celebrations, Tidbits

Imagine arriving home to find your bathtub filled with gelatin. That happened to Mr. & Mrs. Jack Halstead.

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A Very Unusual Christmas Tree

Published on December 17, 2021

Posted in: Holidays & Celebrations, Tidbits

Back in 1900, students in the University of Pennsylvania’s biology department presented their professors with an unusually decorated Christmas tree.

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Footnote – 1937: Santa Claus Has Trouble Getting Down This Chimney

Published on December 14, 2021

Posted in: Holidays & Celebrations, Tidbits

It was every child's fear: Santa Claus got stuck in a San Antonio, TX chimney. Would he be able to deliver his gifts?

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Einstein Offers Student Incorrect Math Advice

Published on December 10, 2021

Posted in: Schools & Education, Tidbits

15-year-old Johanna Mankiewicz wrote to Albert Einstein seeking help with a tough math problem. His answer had an error in it.

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Mother Jailed for Cooking Woodpecker

Published on December 3, 2021

Posted in: Animals & Pets, Crime & Punishment, Law & Order, Tidbits

In 1914, a mother of two was arrested for cooking a woodpecker. Unable to pay the fine, she was sentenced to twenty days in jail.

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Footnote – 1926: Snake Joins Woman in Bath

Published on November 26, 2021

Posted in: Tidbits

Mrs. Arthur Whifler was shocked when a snake emerged from the faucet while she was taking a bath.

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Proud Father Kidnaps Baby

Published on November 23, 2021

Posted in: Law & Order, Love & Marriage, Tidbits

On February 22, 1911, staff at the Norwegian Lutheran Deaconess Home and Hospital in Brooklyn, NY frantically searched for newborn Evelyn Erickson.

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Footnote – 1902: Bride Is Her Own Grandmother

Published on November 19, 2021

Posted in: Tidbits

Interesting story from 1902 about a man who married the daughter of his son's wife. Just who is who in this story?

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